Laurens advertised the slaves and sold them at auction to local rice planters, earning a ten percent commission.

The slave and rice trading connection between Oswald and Laurens—between Sierra Leone and South Carolina—made both men wealthy, propelled both into politics, and eventually affected the course of American history.

The British Navy captured Laurens and he was charged with high treason and imprisoned in the Tower of London until Oswald posted bail for his American business partner.

[1][2] Jealous of the commercial success of Bunce Island, in 1779 the French took the opportunity of their alliance with the American revolutionaries to attack and destroy the slave trading fort.

Thus, the independence of the United States was negotiated, at least in part, between British and American partners in the trade of slaves from Sierra Leone to South Carolina.

The Consulate was charged with protecting American citizens and promoting U.S. commercial interests, with the assistance—if necessary—of U.S. naval vessels of the Africa Squadron.

U.S.-Sierra Leone relations today are cordial, with ethnic ties between groups in the two countries receiving increasing historical interest.

The United States has been actively involved in international endeavors to halt the civil war and prevent the illicit trade of diamonds originating from Sierra Leone.

The Sierra Leonean government initiated a comprehensive recovery plan, with considerable international support, including from the United States.